Most people don't realize that the Welsh pony has four different sections. The sections have different heights and type. They are known for their great temperaments and hardiness. The Welsh pony was developed in Wales and roamed around in a semi-feral state.

The ponies had limited shelter, food and lived in a harsh climate and because of this they developed into a hardy breed. They can be any solid color with the most common colors being grey, chestnut, bay and black although there are some buckskins and palomino's. The piebald, skewbald or leopard-spotted are not acceptable colors.

The Four Sections

Section A: The Section A is known as the Welsh Mountain pony and cannot exceed 12.2hh in height for the US. In the United Kingdom they can't exceed 12 hands in height. They have a lot of substance with a large eye, small head (some have a dished face), strong hind quarters, hightail set and short cannon bones.

Section B: The Section B pony is known as the riding-type pony and cannot exceed 14.2hh in height for the US registry and in the UK the maximum height is 13.2hh. They have no lower height limit. They have all the same physical characteristics of the Section A pony, but with a slightly lighter build and are well known for their movement.

Section C: The Section C pony is known as the Welsh Pony of Cob Type and cannot exceed 13.2hh in height. These ponies have a lot of characteristics as the Section A and B ponies, but are a lot heavier and more compact. This section was the result of crossing the Section A and Section D ponies. The Section C pony is known for their gentle nature.

Section D: The Section D is the largest and stockiest of the breed and is known as the Welsh Cob. They have no upper height limit and must be taller than 13.2hh in height. The Section D is known for their forceful ground covering trot and gentle nature. Because of their substance they were used by the British infantry to pull the heavy equipment around and were great mounts for the British knights during the 15th century.

The first stud book for the Welsh pony breed was established in the United Kingdom in 1901. The registry for the United States was established in 1907. During the Great Depression the interest in the breed declined, but came back in the 1950s because of the combined efforts of breeders. To date, there are over 45,000 registered Welsh ponies and cobs.

Welsh ponies have been used in the coal mines, as cavalry mounts, working in the fields on the farm and driving the family to church. Today the Welsh pony and cobs are used for disciplines such as jumping, driving, dressage, extreme trail challenges, trail riding and more.

The Welsh pony and cobs are enjoyed by children and adults alike. Be sure to check out the breed I think you will love them.